DeLorme’s Earthmate PN-20 is more than a plain ol’ PND. Not only does it display the typical map with your current location, it also gives you the option of viewing your position on aerial photos and satellite images. Nice and small, weighing in at only 5 ounces, the PN-20 has a rubberized outer skin making it easy to handle and given its outdoorsy orientation is completely waterproof. Featuring a bright 176 x 220 pixel 2.2-inch screen, the PN-20’s display can be easily viewed even in bright sunlight. A 12-channel STMicrolectronics chip will get a GPS fix in about 90 seconds, with subsequent updates every few, but only outdoors. This is not an indoor-compatible device.
While the map viewing options are a definite plus, the interface ends up being a little slow as a result. Switching between map types, zooming, and panning are all relatively slow, but given that the PN-20 is not an automotive device, speed shouldn’t be too much of an issue. Really though if you can deal with the relative sloth, the PN-20 is packed with extra features that are highly beneficial to the user. A “Find” function with tons of subcategories including “Natural Features” and “Geological Formations” will point you to matching POI’s near your location making the PN-20 an excellent travel companion for those seeking out new experiences they wouldn’t otherwise find. Plus you can store up to 10 tracklogs with 10, 000 points each, find times for sunrise and sunset, and even find tide times and heights if you’re planning to hit the water for a little kayaking or surfing.
Overall this a great GPS device, one of the first to offer aerial photography and satellite imagery options. Kind of like having Google Earth in the palm of your hand. The DeLorme Earthmate PN-20 GPS will set you back only $299.95 at Amazon right now with a $50 mail-in rebate. But you only have to June 28 to make the purchase. After that you’ll pay about $350.
Buy the DeLorme Earthmate PN-20 GPS at Amazon
via gpsreview
